from Begin Robotics - University of Reading

  • Controller - A device which forms part of a control system – often taking the error between the desired state and the actual state and generating data used to affect an actuator.
  • Force Feedback - A method whereby a sensor conveys to the user the force felt when touching an object.
  • Fuzzy Logic - A form of logic which deals with approximate values, as opposed to logic signals which are true or false only.

  • Error - In a control system, the difference between the desired state and the actual state.
  • Excitatory - connection between neurons which enhances action (as used in Neural Networks and Braitenberg vehicles).
  • Feedback - The process of returning information about the output of a system.
  • Feedback Loop - A circular path along which information is passed.

  • Assembly robot - A robot used typically in a production line manufacturing (e.g. cars).
  • Autonomous robot - A robot which works on its own, as opposed to being controlled by a human.

What's the problem?
  • Ask -
  • Imagine -
  • Design, Build -
  • Improve -

That's engineering
  • Proportional Control - A strategy where the controller outputs a value which is the error multiplied by a constant (is proportional to the error).
  • Touch sensor - A sensor which measures some aspect of the physical contact with an object.
  • Vision Sensor - A device which gives a visual representation of something – typically from a camera.
  • Integral control - A method used in Feedback Control where the output of the controller depends on its input (typically the error) and previous values of its output.
  • Gain - The size of the output of an element divided by its input – in a Proportional Controller, its output is the error * the gain.

Engineering ideas
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